Mixing container structure

ABSTRACT

A mixing container structure is disclosed for use in shipping two materials such as two fluids so that these two materials are separated from one another. This structure includes an outer container for one of these materials and an inner container for the other of these materials located within the outer container. The top of the inner container fits closely within so as to form a seal with the interior of the neck of the outer container. A closure member is located on the outer container so that the skirt on this closure member fits closely within and forms a seal against the interior of the neck on the outer container. The closure member is capable of being moved so that this skirt forces the inner container into the interior of the outer container so that the materials within these containers can mix.

United States Patent 5/1967 Modderno Primary Examiner-Samuel F Coleman Assistant Examiner-Norman L. Stack, Jr. Att0rney-Edward D. O'Brian ABSTRACT: A mixing container structure is disclosed for use in shipping two materials such as two fluids so that these two materials are separated from one another. This structure in cludes an outer container for one of these materials and an inner container for the other of these materials located within the outer container. The top of the inner container fits closely within so as to form a seal with the interior of the neck of the outer container. A closure member is located on the outer container so that the skirt on this closure member fits closely within and forms a seal against the interior of the neck on the outer container. The closure member is capable of being moved so that this skirt forces the inner container into the interior of the outer container so that the materials within these containers can mix.

PATENTEDAUBHIBYI 3.599.838

INVEA/TOIQ DONALD h. LA l/ANGE Ema A20 0. O'BP/AA/ Arroe/vzy MIXING CONTAINER STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is frequently desired to package two different materials in a common package so that they are separated until it becomes desirable to use these two materials. As an example of this, certain hair treatment preparations are normally supplied as two different compositions which are mixed immediately prior to being used. In some fields such as the fire extinguisher field it is common to package a primary composition such as a chemical solution of one type with another composition which when mixed with the first will cause a reaction useful in developing pressure and/or a foam capable of putting out a tire. On occasion an adhesive and a catalyst for the adhesive are sold separated in a package and are mixed together prior to being used.

Many different types of mixing container structures have been developed for use in packaging in a common package two different materials of various types as indicated by the preceding. An understanding of this invention does not require a detailed analysis of such prior packages. Many of such prior packages have suffered from various limitations which are considered to limit their widespread application for use in packaging different types of materials. Frequently such prior packages have been relatively expensive and/or relative ly difficult to utilize.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An objective of the present invention is to provide new and improved mixing container structures for use in packaging two different materials in such a manner that these materials are segregated and sealed with one another until they are ready for use. Related objectives of this invention are to provide mixing container structures of the type indicated which can be manufactured and assembled at a comparatively nominal cost, which may be easily used, which can be used to package two different materials so that these materials are effectively sealed from one another, and which may be utilized in easily and conveniently dispensing the container contents once these contents have been mixed with one another.

In accordance with this invention these objectives are achieved within mixing container structures, each of which has an outer container provided with an internal tubular neck, an inner container with an external tubular top and a closure member having a dependent tubular skirt. The inner container and the closure member are mounted on the interior of the neck of the outer container in such a manner that the interior of the outer container is sealed by contact between the top of the inner container and the neck of the outer container and in such a manner that the interior of the inner container is sealed by contact of the skirt of the closure member against the interior of the neck of the outer container.

A mixing container structure of the present invention preferably includes many features which are not indicated in this summary. Such a structure preferably includes a dispensing closure located on the closure member, effective cooperative, scaling and positioning means within the neck of the outer container, on the exterior of the top ofthe inner container and on the exterior of the skirt of the closure member. A mixing container structure of this invention also preferably includes means for restricting the movement of the closure member with respect to the outer container. Preferably a structure of this invention also includes a spacer means for preventing undesired movement between the closure member and the inner and outer containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Further details of a mixing container structure of this invention as well as many advantages of such a structure will be apparent from a consideration of the appended drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a presently preferred embodiment or form of a mixing container structure of this invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken at line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view cor responding to a part of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken at line 4-4 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing the position of various parts after the use of the mixing container structure illustrated.

The accompanying drawing is primarily intended to clearly illustrate for explanatory purposes the nature of a presently preferred embodiment or form of the present invention. It will be realized that the novel features of this invention set forth in the appended claims may be incorporated within other differently appearing structures through the exercise of routine engineering skill.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the drawings there is shown a mixing container structure I0 which includes an outer bottlelike container 12 having a neck 14. The internal surface 16 of this neck 14 is tubular, and is preferably cylindrical. It may be provided with two identical annular grooves 18 and 20 of a rounded bottom character which extend completely around the surface 16 in planes perpendicular to the axis of the surface 16. The neck 14 also includes a generally flat end 22.

The structure 10 also includes an inner container 24 which has a top 26 provided with an external tubular surface 28 for such a dimension as to fit closely against the interior of the surface 16. This surface 28 preferably includes an annular projection 30 of a shape which is complimentary to the shape of the groove 20 and which fits within the groove 20 so as to form a seal therewith The top 26 preferably terminates in a conical surface 32. It will be noted that this conical surface is directed towards an apex along the axis of the surface I6. The surface 32 flares downwardly and outwardly towards the interior of the surface 16 of the neck 14.

The complete mixing container structure 10 includes a closure member 34 appearing much as inverted cup. This closure member 34 includes a dependent skirt 36 having an exterior surface 38 of the same dimension as the surface 28 of the inner container 24. It will be realized from this that the surface 28 and 38 are complimentary to the surface 16 and that these surfaces 28 and 38 are both intended to fit closely against the interior of the surface 16 to form a seal therewith. This surface 38 preferably holds a projection 40 corresponding to the projection 30 in dimension. This projection 40 normally tits in the groove 18. The skirt 36 also includes a conical surface 42 which is complimentary to the surface 32 and which fits against the surface 32 when the closure member 34 is in place on the complete structure 10.

The closure member 34 includes a projecting annular flange 44 on the uppermost extremity of the skirt 36. This flange 44 carries a small, thin web or membrane 46 which in turn supports a spacer band 48. This spacer band 48 extends between the flange 44 so as to abut against the end 22 of the neck 14. Preferably this band 48 includes a projecting tab 50 and a small web 52 ofa similar character to the web 46 appearing as a strip of reduced cross section extending completely across the width of the band 48 adjacent to the tab 50.

Preferably the complete mixing container structure 10 includes at its top 54 a dispensing closure structure 56 having a spout 58 capable of being rotated from a closed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing to an open position in which the spout 58 extends vertically. The particular dispensing closure 56 illustrated is a dispensing closure as set forth in the Wilson et al. US. Pat No. 2,793,795. Other related dispensing closures can be used instead of the precise structure 56 illustrated.

Preferably all parts of the complete mixing container structure 10 are formed out of a somewhat resilient material such as a common polyolefin. Common grades of polyethylene are considered to be suitable for use in manufacturing the various parts of this structure 10. It will be realized, however, that other materials can be utilized in the manufacture of this structure 10. Common polyolefms are considered preferably since such materials can be made so as to fit against one another in order to form effective seals and since closely fitting parts of such materials can be readily moved with respect to one another.

During the assembly of the complete container structure 10 of this invention, a first material to be packages is located within the outer container 12. Then, the inner container 24 may be pressed into the neck 14 of the outer container 12 so that the surface 28 fits closely against the surface 16 so as to form a seal therewith. When the projection 30 is utilized such a projection 30 fits within the groove 20 so as to properly position the inner container 24 and so as to also form a seal between the inner and the outer containers 24 and 12 respectively.

Next, a material to be packaged may be located within the inner container 24. At this point the skirt 36 of the closure member 34 may be pressed into a position as shown so that the surface 38 fits against the surface 16 so as to form a seal therewith. When the projection 40 is used, it fits tightly within the groove 18 so as to also form a seal and so as to insure proper positioning of the closure member 34. In a proper position of this closure member, the band 48 abuts against the end 22 of the neck 14 of the outer container 12. When so assembled, the structure 10 may be handled and shipped without danger of commingling the contents of the containers 12 and 24.

When it is desired to mix these contents so that they can be used, the tab 50 may be manually engaged and pulled so as to sever the webs 46 and 52 so as to remove the band 48. Prior to such severance the physical position of the band 48 serves to prevent movement of the closure member 34 generally towards the outer container 1 However, after it is severed this closure member 34 may be pushed generally towards the outer container 12. As this occurs the surfaces 42 and 32 ,will abut against one another in such a manner as to cause a tendency for the top 26 of the inner container 24 to be deflected inwardly away from the surface 16. This will tend to make it easier for the movement of the closure member 34 to cause the inner container 24 to be pushed out of engagement with the surface 167 When this occurs the inner container 24 will assume a posi tion as indicated in phantom in FIG. 2 of the drawing. Also, when this occurs the closure member 34 will assume a position as indicated in FIG. with the flange 44 abutting against the end 22 to limit further movement of this closure member and with the projection 40 fitting with and forming a seal with the groove 20. In this position a seal will, of course, be created between the skirt 36 and the surface 16.

When the inner container 24 has been disengaged, the contents of the two containers will frequently be commingled to a sufficient extent so that the resultant mixture of the two materials may be used. However, if desired the complete structure may be shaken at this point so as to cause further mixing. After such mixing the contents of the outer container 12 may be exhausted through the spout $8 of the dispensing closure 56. If such a dispensing closure structure has not been utilized in the complete structure 10, the closure member 34 can be removed so as to gain access to the contents of the outer container 12. Because of the convenience and ease of use it is considered to be always preferable to utilize the closure structure 56.

I claim:

1. A mixing container structure which includes:

an outer container having an internally tubular neck;

an inner container having an externally tubular top;

said inner container fitting within said outer container and said top fitting within said neck so that a seal is formed between said top and said neck;

a closure member having a dependent tubular skirt;

said closure member being located on said outer container with said skirt fitting within said tubular neck so as to form a seal therewith;

said closure member being capable of being moved without being disassembled from said outer container so that said skirt abuts against said top of said inner container so as to force said top out of engagement with said neck of said outer container so as to release said inner container from said outer container within the interior of said outer container.

2. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 1 including:

a dispensing closure having a spout capable of being rotated between open and closed positions, said closure being located on said closure member.

3. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 1 including:

cooperating sealing means and positioning means located on the exteriors of said top and said skirt and on the interior of said neck.

4. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 3 wherein:

said cooperating sealing means comprise external annular projections located on the exterior of said top and the exterior of said neck and annular grooves located on the interior of said neck, said projections normally fitting within said groove, said projection on said skirt capable of fitting within the groove normally occupied by said projection on said top when said closure member has been moved so as to force said inner container top out of engagement with said neck and said outer container.

5. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 1 ineluding means on said closure member for limiting movement of said closure member towards said outer container.

6. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 5 wherein:

said means is an annular flange located on said closure member.

7. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 1 including:

spacer means located between said neck of said outer container and said closure member for preventing accidental movement of said closure member towards said outer container.

8. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 7 wherein:

said spacer means is a spacer member and is capable of being removed from said container structure.

9. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 8 wherein:

said spacer member is a band formed integrally with said closure member;

said band including a tab projecting from said closure member and being attached to said closure member by an annular web of material which is sufficiently thin so as to be capable of being easily broken;

said closure member also including a strip of rt 'luced cross section which is sufficiently thin to be broken extending completely across said closure member adjacent to said tab.

10. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 1 including:

a dispensing closure having a spout capable of being rotated between open and closed positions, said closure being located on said closure member;

cooperating sealing means and positioning means located on the exteriors of said top and said skirt and on the interior of said neck;

said cooperating sealing means comprise external annular projections located on the exterior of said top and the exterior of said neck and annular grooves located on the interior of said neck, said projections normally fitting within said groove, said projection on said skirt capable of fitting within the groove normally occupied by said prosaid spacer member is a band formed integrally with said closure member;

said band including a tab projecting from said closure member and being attached to said closure member by an annular web of material which is sufficiently thin so as to be capable of being easily broken;

said closure member also including a strip of reduced cross section which is sufficiently thin to be brok n extending completely across said closure member adjacent to said tab 

1. A mixing container structure which includes: an outer container having an internally tubular neck; an inner container having an externally tubular top; said inner container fitting within said outer container and said top fitting within said neck so that a seal is formed between said top and said neck; a closure member having a dependent tubular skirt; said closure member being located on said outer container with said skirt fitting within said tubular neck so as to form a seal therewith; said closure member being capable of being moved without being disassembled from said outer container so that said skirt abuts against said top of said inner container so as to force said top out of engagement with said neck of said outer container so as to release said inner container from said outer container within the interior of said outer container.
 2. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 1 including: a dispensing closure having a spout capable of being rotated between open and closed positions, said closure being located on said closure member.
 3. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 1 including: cooperating sealing means and positioning means located on the exteriors of said top and said skirt and on the interior of said neck.
 4. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 3 wherein: said cooperating sealing means comprise external annular projections located on the exterior of said top and the exterior of said neck and annular grooves located on the interior of said neck, said projections normally fitting within said groove, said projection on said skirt capable of fitting within the groove normally occupied by said projection on said top when said closure member has been moved so as to force said inner container top out of engagement with said neck and said outer container.
 5. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 1 including means on said closure member for limiting movement of said closure member towards said outer container.
 6. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 5 wherein: said means is an annular flange located on said closure member.
 7. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 1 including: spacer means located between said neck of said outer container and said closure member for preventing accidental movement of said closure member towards said outer container.
 8. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 7 wherein: said spacer means is a spacer member and is capable of being removed from said container structure.
 9. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 8 wherein: said spacer member is a band formed integrally with said closure member; said band including a tab projecting from said closure member and being attached to said closure member by an annular web of material which is sufficiently thin so as to be capable of being easily broken; said closure member also including a strip of reduced cross section which is sufficiently thin to be broken extending completely across said closure member adjacent to said tab.
 10. A mixing container structure as claimed in claim 1 including: a dispensing closure having a spout capable of being rotated between open and closed positions, said closure being located on said closure member; cooperating sealing means and positioning means located on the exteriors of said top and said skirt and on the interior of said neck; said cooperating sealing means comprise external annular projections located on the exterior of said top and the exterior of said neck and annular grooves located on the interior of said neck, said projections normally fitting within said groove, said projection on said skirt capable of fitting within the groove normally occupied by said projection on said top when said closure member has been moved so as to force said inner container top out of engagement with said neck and said outer container; means on said closure member for limiting movement of said closure member towards said outer container; said means is an annular flange located on said closure member; spacer means located between said neck of said outer container and said closure member for preventing accidental movement of said closure member towards said outer container; said spacer member is a band formed integrally with said closure member; said band including a tab projecting from said closure member and being attached to said closure member by an annular web of material which is sufficiently thin so as to be capable of being easily broken; said closure member also including a strip of reduced cross section which is sufficiently thin to be broken extending completely across said closure member adjacent to said tab. 